HeldFast Q&A for Funeral Professionals

A Separate, Clearly Defined Role

HeldFast is an independent third-party, story-gathering, guest-participation, memory collection service. It is separate from the funeral home’s licensed professional services.

Our primary Event and Gathering Offerings take place before or after a service, entirely separate from a funeral home making arrangements for a family.

When a HeldFast family chooses one or more Offerings they wish to conduct as part of existing, traditional funeral or visitation services, we arrive as their guest to conduct an activity or series of activities within their scheduled arrangements. We also support or present eulogies upon request.

HeldFast is not a funeral establishment, and its hosts are not licensed funeral directors or mortuary science licensees. We do not arrange or direct funerals, supervise burial or disposition, or perform any function requiring a mortuary science license.

When a Family Invites HeldFast

HeldFast families make the funeral home aware of their service plan and may request a specified time to conduct a connection activity or writing workshop within their existing funeral or visitation arrangements. Depending on the family’s capacity for communication, we may connect with you to describe the service they have requested, confirm the date and time, and receive any arrival instructions. A HeldFast Host will not arrive without confirmed communication with the funeral home.

What does the setup require?

Nothing from the funeral director or home. A typical Visitation Connections setup uses one small table, one or two chairs, and enough room for a guest to pause without interfering with the visitation. Writing sessions may include

HeldFast brings the table, signs, writing materials, and any other materials needed for the gathering. Any requested audio-recording plans are discussed in advance.

What does the funeral home need to provide?

We ask the funeral home to confirm the location and timing and let us know about any facility procedures or restrictions. Funeral home staff are not responsible for any part of the planning or oversight of the HeldFast activity.

Who remains in charge of the visitation?

The funeral director and funeral home staff remain fully in charge of the visitation, schedule, and facility. The HeldFast Host stays within the family’s assigned area and follows the direction of funeral home staff. If a setup needs to be adjusted, we respond immediately.

Are guests expected to participate?

Participation is always optional. The Host briefly explains the opportunity and allows each person to decide whether to contribute. Guests may write a memory, share a story, or continue with the visitation without taking part.

What happens when the gathering ends?

The HeldFast Host removes all materials and leaves the area as it was found. The collected memories remain in HeldFast’s care until they are organized and returned to the family.

Can a Funeral Home hire HeldFast?

Funeral Directors and Homes might find some HeldFast Offerings to be useful additions to their own memorial planning services. We maintain a variety of dining, catering, musical, and other partners we can connect you to, as well as eulogy services. Reach out for more information.